Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Media Contact:
Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | jeff.hopper@okstate.edu

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass
all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”

The great Arthur Ashe — storied tennis player, activist and veteran — uttered those
words, which hold true every day, but mean something a little more on Veterans Day.

Veterans Day — rebranded in the United States from its former name, Armistice Day,
in 1954 — commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans and calls Americans to reflect
on the sacrifices servicemen and women have made in the name of their country and
fellow citizens.

At Oklahoma State University, the beginning of Veteran Appreciation Week is marked by the installation of the annual flag display on Edmon Low Library lawn.
Each flag and dog tag represents a service member who lost their life in combat since
Sept. 11, 2001. This year, that number reached over 7,700 flags and 7,100 dog tags.

“I think that the visual representation of the flags is very impactful for our entire
student population,” said Jenn Lane, president of the Veterans Faculty and Staff Association.
“I know that it can be a sometimes-difficult reminder for our student veterans, but
I think that it is something that connects our non-military affiliated students with
our student veterans.”

Members of the Office of Military-Affiliated Student Support and volunteers began installation last week, and the last flag was placed on Saturday.
The installation will remain in place until Nov. 15.

The display is placed in alphabetical order, starting with the section just south
of Edmon Low Library. Full details on the display layout can be found here. 

“It is common that groups stop and ask us about the flag display, but one pair in
particular stood out this year,” said Matt Williams, assistant director of Military-Affiliated
Student Support. “These two are a married couple who had just dropped their daughter
off for a Leadership Conference on-campus this weekend. Mom is an OSU alum, and dad
is an Army vet. Once they learned what the significance of this display was, they
grabbed some supplies and started helping us set up. When they finished that task,
we talked about how they can navigate the display and find a loved one’s ID tag. He
told us the story of his brother-in-arms who didn’t make it home from Afghanistan,
showing us the bracelet he wears in his honor. They went on and walked through the
flags and found his tags, kneeling for a moment to honor him. They then came back
and thanked us for helping put this together, and I thanked him for his help today
and his service in the Army. 

“Moments like this truly show the impact of the display. Anyone should be able to
come by and find the name of their loved one, or of someone they’ve never met, and
take the time to honor them. I am proud to be a small part of this process.” 

The Office of Military-Affiliated Student Support aims to enhance the experience of
military-affiliated students through intentional opportunities that promote belonging,
engagement and support.

One source of support is the Military Affiliated Student Success Center, which handles
the logistics of the flag display, among other things. The center also provides students
access to academic and personal resources. It is a space where military-affiliated
students can gather with others and create meaningful connections with those who may
have shared experiences.

“Many student veterans carry with them the lasting effects of their time in uniform
— the discipline, resilience and leadership skills they developed, as well as the
invisible burdens of sacrifice and transition,” Lane said. “When they return to pursue
their education, they bring unique perspectives that enrich our campuses and classrooms.
By offering understanding, resources and community, we help them navigate the challenges
of adjusting to civilian and academic life. 

“Supporting student veterans honors the commitment they made to serve, and it ensures
that their dedication, experiences and potential continue to strengthen our university,
our communities and the future of our nation.”

As faculty, staff and students traverse campus this week, Lane hopes that everyone
stops and takes a moment to reflect on the millions of people who have donned a U.S.
military uniform and shouldered the immense responsibility it carries. 

“I truly hope that as people walk among the 7,700 flags on Library Lawn, they take
a moment to remember that each flag represents far more than just a number — it represents
a life, and countless others whose lives were forever changed by their loss,” Lane
said. “Each life honored by these flags was given in service to others, and behind
every one of them are families, friends and communities who continue to feel that
absence.”